1. Nebraska officially became a state on May 15, 1867. President Andrew Johnson signed the bill admitting Nebraska as the 37th U.S. state.

2. On May 15, 1930, the first Arbor Day was held in Nebraska. This holiday was created by J. Sterling Morton, a Nebraska resident and nature lover. The day became a national holiday in 1970 and is celebrated on the last Friday in April.

3. Johnny Carson, former host of The Tonight Show, was born in Corning, Iowa on May 15, 1925. Although he grew up in nearby Norfolk, Nebraska, Carson's talent and humor would eventually catapult him to fame on national television.

4. On May 15, 1945, the Nebraska National Guard's 134th Infantry Regiment fought in the Battle of Pisa, Italy during World War II. The regiment helped to secure victory over the German army in this important battle.

5. In 1953, Nebraska native and fourth Chief Justice of the United States, Salmon P. Chase, was featured on the U.S. Postal Service's Great Americans stamp series. The stamp was released on May 15 of that year to honor Chase's contributions to the nation's legal system.